Entrants will submit a work-in-progress version of their game and a four page treatment by 5th September, and the top three will be judged by a panel of industry experts during the New Zealand Game Developers Conference later that month.

Rather than the final prize being a grant, the NZGDA has wisely split the prize money up into the form of cash, business, legal and marketing advice, and software subscriptions adding up to a total value of NZD$25'000.

It's a small amount, but enough for a team with a modest game to support themselves and launch their game properly, with the necessary advice and strategy to give it the best possible shot. In a development industry like New Zealand's, where every single product shipped is digital, it's a welcome leg-up for entering into the space.

While other funding models are available, NZGDA board member Stephen Knightly explained that 'existing business startup or creative sector programmes don’t quite suit the nature of games businesses who must compete globally from day one in order to succeed.'